14th December 2025 - "The Ruler to Be Born in Bethlehem" - Micah 5:1-5a

Psalm 46 English Standard Version God Is Our Fortress 46 God is our refuge and strength,     a very present[b] help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way,     though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam,     though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,     the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;     God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;     he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us;     the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,     how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;     he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;     he burns the chariots with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God.     I will be exalted among the nations,     I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us;     the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Footnotes Psalm 46:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term Psalm 46:1 Or well proved   Micah 5:1-5 English Standard Version The Ruler to Be Born in Bethlehem 5 [a] Now muster your troops, O daughter[b] of troops;     siege is laid against us; with a rod they strike the judge of Israel     on the cheek. 2 [c] But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,     who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me     one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old,     from ancient days. 3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time     when she who is in labour has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return     to the people of Israel. 4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,     in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great     to the ends of the earth. 5 And he shall be their peace. Footnotes Micah 5:1 Ch 4:14 in Hebrew Micah 5:1 That is, city Micah 5:2 Ch 5:1 in Hebrew